We often see new kayakers getting confused about kayak models, and we get that the sheer number of options can be a bit frustrating.
Short or long? Sit-on-top or sit-inside? Low or high volume? You have a lot of choices to make, and you might feel a bit lost.
It’s okay, though. This all-you-need-to-know 10 vs. 12-foot fishing kayak guide will take one thing off your plate.
By the end of this post, you’ll be able to find out what size works best for you.
10 vs. 12 Foot Fishing Kayak: Overview
Each size and model has its merits in the right waterbody. However, the 10-foot mark seems to be the default size for fishing kayaks.
Let’s jump right in with a glance at each:
The 10 Foot Fishing Kayak
The most common fishing kayak size is between 9.5 and 11 feet, especially starter boats. They can seem too small initially, but you might end up pleasantly surprised with legroom.
The hype over the 10-footer is for a good reason, as the frame gives the stability needed to keep the kayak steady.
Pros:
- Has a higher stability
- Easier tracking and turning
- Suitable for narrow rivers
- More portable and easy to carry
Cons:
- Slower
- Has less storage space
The 12 Foot Fishing Kayak
The 12-foot kayak is somewhere between. Not quite as fast as the 14-foot models and not as stable as the classic 10-footer.
We like to think of it as an upgrade for people who have mastered smaller fishing kayaks and are ready to take it up a notch.
Pros:
- Allows paddling at higher speeds
- Can fit two kayakers onboard
- Suitable for large water bodies
- Has more storage capacity
Cons:
- Lacks stability
- Not easy for beginners to maneuver
The Difference Between 10 and 12 Foot Fishing Kayaks
Some people find long, slim boats more appealing. However, the distinction between short and long kayaks is more than just aesthetic.
A kayak frame length matters in its storage capability, stability, speed, tracking, and turning. All of which can affect your final choice.
Here are some factors to consider before picking your next fishing kayak:
Capacity
A high volume in a fishing kayak is always a plus for storage, comfortable sitting, and breaking waves.
10 Foot Fishing Kayak
Low to medium-volume kayaks are suitable for people with an average of 160 pounds. Overall, 10-foot kayaks are suited for women and people with smaller frames.
Some tall kayakers often find that shorter boats pinch their toes. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it also makes balancing your center of gravity harder.
12 Foot Fishing Kayak
For people over five feet and 10 inches, a higher volume can make your fishing tour more comfortable.
Keep in mind that some manufacturers measure capacity with gallons, especially with larger boats.
The Takeaway
If you usually have trouble stretching your legs inside kayaks, a 12-footer could solve your problems with more leg space.
Stability
The continuous tugging can rock the boat which could soak you with water. Plus, you might risk losing your valuable equipment.
10 Foot Fishing Kayak
The strongest selling point of any 10-foot fishing kayak is its stability. Ideally, an 8-foot kayak is more stable but lacks the necessary capacity.
A multi-chine hull can help you get more balance. It keeps the boat steady while you real-in your fish.
12 Foot Fishing Kayak
12-foot kayaks tend to seem relatively narrow, which means that a heavier load lies on a smaller hull.
Unless you customize your kayak with a stabilizer set, you’ll have to sacrifice some stability for the extra leg space.
The Takeaway
The 10-foot kayak wins the stability comparison any day. You’ll appreciate the extra stability when you’re tugging against a big catch.
Speed
Longer kayaks are faster, especially with two people paddling. There are a bunch of hydrodynamic factors affecting the net speed, but the length-to-width ratio is a crucial one.
10 Foot Fishing Kayak
Most kayaks have a length-to-width ratio above 1:3. However, the typical 10-foot fishing kayak is still lacking in the speed department.
However, speed is rarely a concern for most people. Fishing is all about patience and planned movements. Right?
12 Foot Fishing Kayak
The 12-footer can go at higher speeds than the classic 10-foot boat. Generally, this size is good when you want to fish away from the shore.
Similarly, a 14-foot boat is suited for recreational kayaking but not so much for traditional fishing trips.
The Takeaway
For fishing near the land, a 10-foot kayak works best. However, if you plan to go into deep waters, save yourself some time with a longer boat.
Maneuverability
Depending on the type and size of the water body you fish in, you might need more turning and flexibility.
10 Foot Fishing Kayak
For whitewater creeks, 10 feet is the maximum recommended size. Any longer, you might have trouble turning the kayak quickly when you need to.
A shorter boat is also easier to maneuver in narrow rivers and streams without giving up storage capacity.
12 Foot Fishing Kayak
While 12 feet isn’t the largest kayak size out there, it’s still pretty long. Unless you’re an experienced kayaker, turning a 12-foot boat in a narrow stream can be tricky.
On the other hand, this size is suitable for fishing in calm, open water bodies where you need a balance between speed and stability.
The Takeaway
Think about the geography of the fishing spot and the physical space available for turning the kayak around. Whenever you have a lot of open water in front of you, go for a longer boat.
The Bottom Line
We can’t say that there’s a hard and fast rule for choosing the best kayak type. However, we hope this 10 vs. 12-foot fishing kayak guide gave you a better idea about each model.
Shorter kayaks are slower, but they also balance stability with volume to meet the ideal fishing requirements.
For beginners, a 10-foot kayak is a safe choice.
Meanwhile, the 12-foot kayak works for fishing and some light recreational paddling. Overall, it’s a better fit for more experienced kayakers.